RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club made history this week as both its U16 Girls NPL and U19 Girls NPL teams captured National Premier League (NPL) National Championships after outstanding performances at the 2026 NPL National Finals in Denver, Colorado.

Both teams battled through an entire week of competition against the top clubs from across the United States, finishing undefeated to earn the title of National Champions.

The U19 Girls accomplished an even rarer feat by successfully defending the National Championship they won in 2025, becoming back-to-back NPL National Champions. The U16 Girls capped off an exceptional season by bringing home their first NPL National Championship.

The National Premier League is one of the country’s premier youth soccer platforms, consisting of 18 regional leaguesstretching across the United States. Hundreds of clubs and thousands of teams compete each year, with only the regional champions advancing to the NPL National Finals to compete for a national title.

This year, the Black Hills Rapids qualified three teams for the National Finals (also the U17 Boys NPL team)—and both girls teams returned home as National Champions.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for our players, coaches, and families,” said Black Hills Rapids Executive Director Dave Sharp. “To have two teams qualify for the National Finals is remarkable. To have both teams go undefeated and win national championships is something truly special. These players have put in countless hours over the years, challenged themselves every day in training, and represented our club and community with tremendous character and determination.”

The championships are another milestone for the Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club, whose player development pathway continues to produce high-level athletes. Each year, numerous Rapids players move on to play collegiate soccer at NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college programs throughout the country.

These national championships further demonstrate that players from western South Dakota can compete with—and defeat—the best teams in the nation.

“These championships are about much more than winning games,” Sharp added. “They reflect the commitment of our coaches, the dedication of our players, the incredible support from our families, and a community that continues to believe in youth soccer. Our players are proving that with the right environment, hard work, and belief, they can compete on the biggest stages in the country.”

The Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club serves more than 2,000 youth players annually through its recreational and competitive programs and has established itself as one of the leading youth soccer clubs in the region. The club’s continued success on the national stage is bringing well-deserved recognition to both the organization and the Rapid City community.

For more information about the Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club, visit www.blackhillsrapids.com.